Employers in Massachusetts are banned from discriminating against employees on the basis of gender under the Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Equal Pay Act. Therefore, gender may not be the basis for any employer decisions regarding pay, hiring policies, or promotion requirements. They must also make sure that working environments will not be hostile towards a certain gender and that the work atmosphere is not overly sexual.

What Must be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

Discrimination can be proven under the Equal Pay act if both men and women do the same type of work for the same employer but are nevertheless paid in different amounts. Also, a claim may succeed if an employer in Westborough hires only one gender, promotes workers because of their gender, or retaliates against those seeking relief for this misconduct.

When is Sexual Harassment Prohibited?

Sexual harassment includes all unwelcome or unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that is directed at the victim, whether it is physical or verbal. Employers in Westborough may also be liable for the behavior, even when the conduct was done by an employee's co-worker.

If the employer permits conduct to create an overly sexual work environment, they may be held liable for sexual harassment in Massachusetts. It is usually somewhat difficult to prove gender discrimination if you don't have an attorney, because certain aspects such as proving intent can be complex. Pursuing a claim also involves following procedures, many of which can be detailed.